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The New Jersey Department of Health offers the following Zika Virus information:

What is Zika virus (Zika)? Zika is a viral infection that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Outbreaks typically occur in tropical Africa and southeast Asia. Zika is now present in tropical areas.

Who gets Zika? Anyone who gets bitten by an infected mosquito can become infected with Zika.

How do people get Zika? Zika is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue and chikungunya.

What are the symptoms of Zika? About one in five people develop symptoms and infection that is usually mild. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain or red eyes. Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. Symptoms usually begin 3-12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last several days to a week. Hospitalization and deaths from Zika are rare.

How is Zika diagnosed? The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, which are diseases caused by other viruses spread by the same type of mosquitoes.

What is the treatment for Zika? There is no specific treatment for Zika. Symptoms are treated by getting rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and taking medicines such as acetaminophen or paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of increased bleeding.